Cheap Dinner Recipes For a Family on a Budget
Money is tight for everyone as expenses increase. Food is really expensive so it’s a great time for everyone to dive into cheap dinner recipes for a family on a budget.

Cheap Dinners for a Family on a Budget
If you don’t budget your food purchases for your family it is REALLY easy to spend well over $1000 a month. For my family of 5 we absolutely do budget, shop pretty much only at Winco (which is half the price of everywhere else… even cheaper than Walmart), and pay attention to every purchase price.
That doesn’t mean we don’t splurge. I will 100% spend more for real food ingredients over processed crap… but 90% of the meals at our house are made with whole food so keeping the pricing low while still eating healthy is much more affordable than buying premade “healthy” items.
Don’t get me wrong, we buy splurge items too. We get sushi every couple weeks and everyone’s desires get met within reason, but we absolutely budget. Guess what we spend per month for 5 of us?
About $1200!! That is even with cooking everything at home, eating out only one meal a week (that cost is not included), and budgeting. That’s kind fo insane that prices are that high.
My point being… EVERYONE can benefit from cheap dinner ideas! Here are 25 of them from full meals to healthy sides you can add onto something simple like rotisserie chicken or pizza.
Image Credit: tastesoflizzyt
Mild and tangy, Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken is a flavorful, budget-friendly recipe the whole family will love. With minimal prep, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights, using chicken drumsticks or your favorite cut.
The Instant Pot makes it quick and effortless while locking in the delicious honey mustard flavors. A perfect addition to your weeknight meal rotation!
Get full recipe from: Tastes Of Lizzy T
Image Credit: tastesoflizzyt
Crispy golden brown fried pork chops are a juicy, flavorful, and versatile dinner option. Whether served on a bun with fresh tomatoes and lettuce, sliced over a salad, or paired with mashed potatoes and green beans.
They’re a delicious twist on traditional fried chicken. Budget-friendly and quick to prepare, these pork chops are perfect for a satisfying and economical dinner.
Get full recipe from: Tastes Of Lizzy T
Image Credit: thissillygirlskitchen
Bacon Pesto Pasta is a quick, budget-friendly dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Combining homemade pesto, crispy bacon, and tender pasta, this dish is bursting with flavor and comes together in under 30 minutes.
Simple yet satisfying, it’s a go-to meal the whole family will enjoy. Whether it’s a hectic weekday or a relaxed evening, this easy recipe is sure to please!
Get full recipe from: This Silly Girl’s Kitchen
Image Credit: thissillygirlskitchen
A good Meat Sauce Recipe is a kitchen staple everyone needs. Simple to make yet bursting with flavor, it combines a blend of ingredients that simmer together for at least 30 minutes to create a rich, hearty sauce.
Perfect for pasta, lasagna, or as a base for your favorite Italian dishes, this recipe is a must-have for easy, satisfying meals
Get full recipe from: This Silly Girl’s Kitchen
Image Credit: knifeandpaddle
Panzanella, or Bread Salad, is a classic Italian dish that transforms stale bread into a delicious, hearty meal. Combined with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions, all drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with vinegar, it’s a vibrant, flavorful salad.
It’s the perfect way to use up leftover bread while enjoying a refreshing, Mediterranean-inspired dish. Try it—it’s delizioso!
Get full recipe from: Knife And Paddle
Image Credit: onmykidsplate
Smooth and creamy, these easy maple mashed sweet potatoes are a quick, budget-friendly side dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Light yet indulgent, they pair well with any meal and deliver just the right touch of sweetness.
Packed with nutrition, these vibrant sweet potatoes are a family favorite that’s simple to prepare and versatile enough for holiday tables or everyday dinners.
Get full recipe from: On My Kids Plate
Image Credit: theforkedspoon
Crisp, fresh, and flavorful, this Garlic Bok Choy Recipe is a quick and easy side dish ready in just 10 minutes. Made with simple ingredients like ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, it pairs perfectly with chicken, beef, or fish.
Light yet delicious, this vegetarian dish is perfect for busy nights when you need a healthy, flavorful side with minimal effort.
Get full recipe from: The Forked Spoon
Image Credit: theforkedspoon
Ginger Garlic Noodle Soup with Bok Choy is a comforting and nutrient-packed 20-minute meal. Made with vegetarian broth, noodles, mushrooms, and baby bok choy, it’s perfect for cozy nights or when you need a boost.
Customize it with chicken, shrimp, spicy chilis, or your favorite veggies for a personal twist on this soothing, flu-fighting soup.
Get full recipe from: The Forked Spoon
Image Credit: cheerfulcook
Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s quick and easy to make. Think of it as a deconstructed stuffed pepper dish, blending lean ground turkey, colorful bell peppers, savory spices, and melted cheddar and mozzarella.
This hearty casserole offers the same delicious flavors as stuffed peppers but with less effort, making it a perfect family-friendly meal.
Get full recipe from: Cheerful Cook.
Image Credit: cheerfulcook
Korean Beef Bowl is a quick, budget-friendly dinner that’s full of flavor. With a mix of savory, sweet, and tangy notes, this dish is a simpler version of Bulgogi, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Ground beef is cooked with a delicious blend of soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil, then served over rice for a satisfying meal. It’s a go-to recipe for busy families looking for something tasty and easy.
Get full recipe from: Cheerful Cook
Image Credit: greedygirlgourmet
Chinese Chicken Rice Soup is a comforting, budget-friendly meal perfect for family dinners. Made in one pot, it combines tender chicken, rice, and flavorful broth with fresh ingredients, making it nourishing and warming, ideal for fall or winter.
For a quicker version, you can use leftovers to make it in just 15 minutes. This easy soup is both satisfying and versatile, a hit for any weeknight meal.
Get full recipe from: Greedy Girl Gourmet
Image Credit: xoxobella
Instant Pot creamy macaroni and cheese is a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for family dinners. This dish is always a hit with its rich, creamy texture and delicious cheese blend.
The best part? It’s even better the next day as leftovers! With minimal prep and cook time, this comforting mac and cheese is sure to become a regular in your weekly meal rotation.
Get full recipe from: Xoxo Bella
Image Credit: xoxobella
A low-budget, easy-to-make dinner, this beef and potato bake is a one-pot wonder. With layers of savory beef and tender potatoes, it’s both filling and simple.
Perfect for busy weeknights, it requires minimal preparation and cleanup. The comforting combination of ingredients makes this dish a family favorite that won’t break the bank.
Get full recipe from: Xoxo Bella
Image Credit: oursaltykitchen
Instant Pot Lentil Soup is an affordable yet delicious meal that’s perfect for any budget. Made with pantry staples, this vegan and gluten-free soup delivers incredible flavor.
The pressure cooker ensures creamy, tender lentils, making this a comforting and nourishing dish. Packed with healthy ingredients, it’s a satisfying meal for busy nights or when you’re looking for a hearty, plant-based option.
Get full recipe from: Our Salty Kitchen
Image Credit: ericasrecipes
Spaghetti, zucchini, and meatballs are a perfect family dinner that combines simplicity with incredible flavor. This dish is easy to make, budget-friendly, and loved by all ages.
With a combination of hearty meatballs, tender zucchini, and classic spaghetti, it’s a winning meal that satisfies without breaking the bank. Perfect for weeknight dinners and guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family!
Get full recipe from: Ericas Recipes
Image Credit: ericasrecipes
Pasta with homemade sloppy Joe mix is a cheap, filling dinner that’s both delicious and budget-friendly. By using pantry staples and ground beef, this twist on the classic sloppy Joe delivers big flavor without the big price tag.
It’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it over pasta for a fun, kid-approved meal that the whole family will love!
Get full recipe from: Ericas Recipes
Image Credit: dinneratthezoo
Slow cooker glazed carrots are the perfect easy, budget-friendly side dish for both casual dinners and holiday gatherings. Coated in a sweet and savory brown sugar glaze, these tender carrots are a hit with the whole family.
You can use either full-sized carrots or baby carrots, depending on your preference. With minimal prep and a delicious result, these glazed carrots are sure to be a family favorite!
Get full recipe from:Dinner At The Zoo
Image Credit: morechickenrecipes
Healthy, tasty, and super easy to make, this Keto Chicken Stir-Fry is a perfect, pocket-friendly family dinner. With minimal prep, it’s a quick low-carb recipe that satisfies cravings for Chinese food without breaking the bank.
Full of flavor, it’s a great option for those watching their weight and for anyone who loves a healthy, delicious chicken dish. A simple, healthier alternative to takeout!
Get full recipe from: More Chicken Recipes
Image Credit: cinnamonandkale
Healthy cottage pie is a hearty and satisfying dish, perfect for colder days. Packed with three portions of vegetables, two in the savory meat sauce and one in the mashed topping—this gluten-free recipe is both nourishing and comforting.
It’s easy to prepare, great for meal prep, and freezes well, making it an ideal option for busy weeknight dinners. Enjoy a wholesome, nutritious meal without the hassle!
Get full recipe from: Cinnamon And Kale
Image Credit: rainbowplantlife
Vegan chili garlic noodles are a quick and flavorful meal that can be made in just 15 minutes. This dish combines Chinese cooking techniques with Japanese udon noodles, creating a savory, nutty, garlicky, and spicy blend of flavors.
Packed with vegetables, herbs, nuts, and plant-based protein, it’s a healthy, low-budget dinner option that’s both delicious and satisfying for the whole family. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Get full recipe from: Rainbow Plant Life
Image Credit: garlicallday
Garlicky Shrimp Fried Rice is a delicious and budget-friendly dinner the whole family will love! Packed with plump shrimp and a whole head of garlic, this dish delivers a savory punch.
It’s quick to make and perfect for busy nights, offering a flavorful and satisfying meal that combines the best of seafood and garlic—making it a great option for dinner without breaking the bank!
Get full recipe from: Garlic All Day
Image Credit: mygorgeousrecipes
Toad in the Hole is a classic British comfort dish made with sausages baked in a Yorkshire pudding batter. The sausages are cooked first, then covered with a simple batter made from flour, eggs, and milk, and baked until golden and puffed.
It’s often served with rich gravy and vegetables, making it a hearty and satisfying meal for the whole family. Easy to make and full of flavor!
Get full recipe from: My Gorgeous Recipes
Image Credit: mygorgeousrecipes
Prawn and Spinach Pasta is a quick, flavorful, and colorful dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. With succulent shrimp, fresh spinach, a hint of spice, and a sprinkle of parmesan, it’s a meal that’s ready in under 20 minutes.
The combination of vibrant veggies and shrimp makes it delicious and nutritious, while the simple ingredients keep it budget-friendly. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner!
Get full recipe from: My Gorgeous Recipes
Image Credit: thefamilyfoodkitchen
Chicken & Chickpea Curry is a quick, flavorful dish made with creamy coconut milk and a blend of aromatic spices.
It’s not only delicious but also ideal for meal prep, ensuring you have a tasty and easy dinner ready for busy weeknights. The combination of chicken and chickpeas adds protein and heartiness, making it a satisfying meal for the whole family.
Get full recipe from: The Family Food Kitchn
Image Credit: chezlalonde
Simple spaghetti with meat sauce is the ultimate budget-friendly dinner. With basic ingredients and a quick cooking time, this dish can be ready in under an hour.
The hearty meat sauce is made by simmering ground meat with garlic, onions, and herbs, creating a rich, flavorful topping for your spaghetti. Easy to make in one pot for minimal cleanup, it’s a comforting, customizable meal the whole family will enjoy.
Get full recipe from: Chez Lalonde